Infiniti M45 Concept 4.5-litre V8 @ 257 kW/340 pk![]()
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Infiniti is the name of Nissan’s luxury division in the USA, in the same way as Toyota’s Lexus division. Like Lexus, Infiniti (which was introduced around the same time in the late 1980s) also takes some of its models from the Nissan range and refines them further. In the near future, the division will take the latest Nissan Teana/Cefiro sedan and turn it into the M45 for 2005 and as a preview, it has put together the M45 Concept which is said to offer a unique, advanced look into the future design and technology direction of the division.
The M45 Concept features a powerful 257 kW/340 bhp 4.5-litre V8, taken from the flagship Infiniti Q45, along with a new generation of the FM (Front Midship) platform currently used on the G35 sedan, G35 coupe and FX premium crossover SUV. Approximately 60% of the platform design and components have been enhanced for use with the M45 Concept.
The new, redefined platform is designed to accommodate the M45 Concept’s 4.5-litre V8 or a 3.5-litre V6, continuing to position the engine behind the front axle. As in current applications, this positioning results in an optimized front-to-rear weight balance, which factors in weight transfer during key handling manoeuvres.
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There’s a 5-speed automatic transmission with a short-throw performance shifter with manual shift mode. The M45 Concept’s advanced braking system is designed to offer a confidence-inspiring brake pedal feel and enhanced pedal response, while the steering system is designed to enhance the engaging driving experience through a high-flow hydraulic boost system and micro-polished steering gear and robust rack mounting.
Besides having Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), the handling and stability is also greatly enhanced by a new active rear control system. Unlike passive rear steering systems, this design features motor-driven rear-wheel control. This system is said to improve the M45’s handling performance by adjusting the geometry of the rear suspension according to steering input and vehicle speed. The system’s electronic control unit calculates the desired vehicle dynamics from a series of sensors, including vehicle speed and steering angle, and directs the system actuator to change rear geometry by moving both rear suspension lower links. The result is sports car-like agility, combined with luxury sedan stability.
Also like the production FM platform, the M45 Concept’s large diameter wheels and tyres are positioned out near the corners of the vehicle, providing an extra measure of handling stability. The M45 Concept’s suspension is an independent double-wishbone design in front and multi-link independent in the rear.
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From a design standpoint, the M45 Concept optimizes both luxury and sport styling to create a dynamic visual sensation. The expressive, jewel-like grille and crystal-look headlight clusters offer a luxurious appeal, while large 19-inch wheels and high performance tyres, a stable posture with wide tread, and short overhangs contribute to the sportiness of the design.
The M45 Concept also offers a low, aggressive bonnet line, which flows into the anchored shoulders and contributes to the sporty, powerful silhouette. The roofline is fluid, while the hood and front fenders are sculpted to provide a solid, muscular look. In the rear, L-shaped LED taillights and quad-tipped tailpipes finish out the exterior design.
The sporty sedan also features lightweight body components, including aluminium inner and outer door panels, hood and decklid panels, while its aerodynamic design minimises lift to zero at the front end.
Like the M45 Concept’s performance, its interior design engages the senses in new and invigorating ways. It combines a driver-oriented cockpit with a graceful, Infiniti level of luxury and design detail. It is claimed to be ‘the most indulgent, high-quality design that Infiniti has ever offered – one that indicates a new wave of Infiniti interior design’.
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The modern and intuitive interior layout focuses on ease-of-use and a purposeful simplicity. Interior features include leather-appointed climate controlled seats, an advanced “Solar Eclipse” instrument lighting system, power reclining rear seats and an advanced surround audio system with 14-speaker 5.1-channel decoding with two personal speakers mounted in each front seat.
The interior also offers an array of driver and passenger-oriented technology features, including the Infiniti Intelligent Key system with push-button start. This system eliminates the need to take the key fob out of your pocket when locking, unlocking and starting the engine. Other features include an Infiniti Navigation System with a new user interface featuring voice-activated destination entry, HVAC/audio and Bluetooth wireless connectivity, RearView monitor and Intelligent Cruise Control.
The M45 Concept also showcases the latest in Nissan’s safety technology, including a new Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system. The system recognizes lane markings and calculates the lateral distance between the vehicle and the lane marking, along with vehicle speed relative to the marking, and generates an audible signal to warn the driver of a pending, unintended lane departure. Engagement of the turn signals turns off the system and it also includes a driver cancel switch. With over 58% of fatal accidents in the USA caused by lane departures, including single vehicle and head-on accidents, the LDW system (also being developed by a few other companies) should prove an important advancement in vehicle safety technology.
Other safety features include an Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage front supplemental air bags and roof-mounted side-impact curtain air bags, brake-operated pre-crash front seat belts and slide away brake pedal.
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